4 years.................

Today is September 11, 2010. And while we (and the rest of the world) are reminded about that terrible tragedy that occurred in NYC 9 years ago, we are also reminded of how long we have waited to hear news from China. Since our dossier was logged in back in 09/11/06 we have waited.....and waited.....and waited. We have no words......just Hope.

The last time our Adoption agency called us, they informed us that China had actually processed 2 weeks worth of referrals in the last month. What this means is that for some reason or another, China processed a heck of a lot more files then it has been the last couple of years ( the average has been about 2 days worth or so per month ). In any case, it seems they are in May of 2006 and the only thing we hope for is that they continue their speed and process the rest of the files as quickly as possible so they can finally get to us. I wish I had a timeframe I can give to family & friends who continue to ask, but the truth is I just can't predict the future. This long wait has taught us to let go of any expectations, and to have trust in what God has planned for our future. It's not easy to do by any means. But during our times of frustration and uncertainty, we rely on our closest friends and family for support.....and this alone is worth this experience.

In the meantime, her room still awaits her. It may not always be as tidy as it is in this picture ( as I often use it for crafting & don't always pick up my stuff ), but it's still there along with little stuffed animals, cozy blankets, books, and clothes.

Upcoming Fundraiser!

Our Parish is having it's annual fall festival this coming weekend & we're so excited to be having a small fundraising booth for our adoption travel & orphanage donation. This is the banner that Kris designed & it will hang on the front of our table. ( I thought it was cleaver of him to place 9 butterflies & 11 ladybugs on it for our LID ). I love it so much & the best part.....I got one of our vendors to sponsor the printing for us. Thank You Linda over at TransportGraphics in Riverside. So....since we've never done our own booth, we don't really have a clue of what to expect. But, it's strictly a fundraising booth, so we've decided to have some fun with it & just see how it goes. There's a small donation we've got to give to our Parish, but we get to keep any of the proceeds from the weekend. We'll be selling our popular Ladybug Rocks, as well as some custom embroidered Totes, and some really amazing photo prints that were generously donated by a couple of local photographers Ryan Beck & Ron Boyd ( & even from my very own amateur photog but talented husband ). Some prints will feature either inspirational quotes or biblical verses, and they will be available as 5x7's, 8x10's and possibly some larger sizes too at great prices. It's all kind of happening pretty fast, so we're doing our best to juggle our day jobs along with getting prepared for this coming weekend. I'll be posting some samples soon & maybe upload them to our Etsy store for anyone who's not local and would like to purchase some. They'll make great Christmas gifts & at the same time go towards a great cause.

24 Months of Waiting...

Today we completed a huge milestone, we've waited for 24 long months. And although there is still no sign of Madi, we feel like we are getting a bit closer. Tonight I'm posting a poem by Tom Fisher ( a dad who wrote it while also waiting for his daughter from China ) -that best describes these feelings of waiting and not being able to do anything other than daydream.

Daydreaming

I stepped into her room today

Knowing she's not there

This waiting for referral

Is more than one can bear

But taking in the moment 

I sit down on the floor

And dream of her here with me

When waiting is no more.

A little giggle fills the air

As I rub her feet

I place my hand upon her heart

To feel its every beat

A song is sung so very soft

Her eyes begin to close

She's meeting me in dream land

A place where love still grows

My vision now is very blurred

The tears stream down my cheeks

I've dreamed of her quite often

Throughout these past few weeks

Suddenly a sound is heard 

The phone rings in the hall

Waking up I quickly pray

Please let it be "The Call".

poem by Tom Fisher